Understanding Sleep Apnea

Among the U.S. population, sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes a person’s breathing to stop during sleep. It has multiple negative consequences and is often undiagnosed and undertreated.

With support from Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., NSF independently conducted a nationally representative survey of over 1,000 US adults to identify the public’s current understanding of and attitudes about sleep apnea symptoms, treatment options and preferences, and consequences of untreated sleep apnea.

Key findings from the research revealed:

• Nearly 9 in 10 adults (88%) say sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that is important to treat, yet nearly one third (31%) of those already diagnosed with sleep apnea are not currently receiving treatment.
• 78% of Americans aren’t aware of all the treatment options available for sleep apnea. Nearly 9 in 10 adults (88%) recognized CPAP therapy, but more than 40% weren’t aware of options like surgery, implantable devices, and medication, among other approved treatments.
• 1 in 4 Americans can only identify a few health consequences of untreated sleep apnea despite untreated sleep apnea being linked to poor cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive health.

For more information read the full report.

This report and source research was produced independently by National Sleep Foundation and does not endorse specific products or provide medical advice.